Cons

Not open year-round

Historic building means creaky wood floors and thin walls

Minimum stay is sometimes required

Bottom Line

This charming, elegant B&B fits in nicely with the Nantucket atmosphere, and is the only inn on the island to provide a full, hot breakfast (thanks to its commercial kitchen). The rooms don’t come cheap, but then again, nothing on Nantucket does. And the fact that downtown is a mere three-minute walk may make it worth the price for some.

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Oyster Hotel Review

Scene

Historic yet modern and elegant

Breakfast Room at the Union Street Inn

Union Street Inn has the classic look of a Nantucket home from the exterior. The inside features decor that complements the historic architecture, but with a modern and elegant twist. From the cute dining area with bistro tables, to the outdoor patio overlooking a wall of greenery, the entire feel is relaxing and soothing -- and yet it's just a few minutes' walk from the relatively bustling downtown. Being so close to downtown means that you may hear some cars as they pass by at night, but overall the area is quieter than you might expect from such a convenient location.

Location

Located on a side street in downtown Nantucket, Union Street Inn is walking distance to everything in the area -- shops, restaurants, bars, and the Children's Beach -- which is good, because there isn’t much parking to be had downtown, especially during the busy summer months (although the inn does provide parking).

Nantucket is an island 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, next to Martha's Vineyard. While the Vineyard boasts some lovely homes, Nantucket's real estate puts it to shame. This is where the rich come to vacation, and the prices around town reflect that. Don't expect to run into the Hollywood crowd -- here it's more CEOs, politicians, and billionaire businessmen who have their second homes on the island. The atmosphere is relaxed, but polished at the same time.

Nantucket is about history and natural beauty. It features some of the highest concentration of Pre-Civil war structures and oldest operating windmill in U.S. You’ll find cobblestoned streets downtown (always fun to drive over), plenty of historic mansions converted into bed-and-breakfasts, and boutiques shilling expensive brand names. While the shopping and dining is fantastic, the beautiful beaches are probably the main allure. The southside beaches are key for surfers (Cisco is a local favorite), Madaket has phenomenal sunsets, Jetties is close to town and great for families, and Great Point Beach is accessible only by four-wheel drive.

There are a number of ferries to get to and from the island, but The Steamship Authority ferry from Hyannis is the only way to bring a car across the water, although travelers are strongly discouraged from bringing their cars. During the summer, when the population swells from 10,000 to 50,000 people, finding parking can be next to impossible. It's easier to rent a car once you're on the island (plus, the ferry fee for cars can range from $120-$200 each way depending on the season).

14-minute drive to Nantucket Memorial Airport

3-minute walk to downtown

15-minute drive to Madaket

15-minute drive to Cisco Beach

20-minute drive to Sankaty Head Lighthouse (Siasconset, or 'Sconset, as it's known by the locals)

1-hour fast ferry ride to Hyannis, MA on Hy-Line ferry from downtown

2-hour and 15-minute ferry ride to Hyannis, MA on Steamship Authority ferry (the only one to carry cars to the island) from downtown

Rooms

Historic in decor, but modern in features

Bedroom

Due to the historic nature of the building, rooms and bathrooms range in size and shape from small to spacious, and each room’s decor is different from the next. Color schemes vary between rich reds, bright yellows, and warm greens and browns. The beds are swathed in Frette linens and Matouk comforters, and the furnishings are high-end but with an antique look. If you’re a light sleeper, book a room away from the street, as the sounds of passing cars can seem magnified at night when there isn’t any other activity. Note when booking: Room 8 is tiny and has a detached bathroom (though large and private) down the hall.

Bottom Line

This charming, elegant B&B fits in nicely with the Nantucket atmosphere, and is the only inn on the island to provide a full, hot breakfast (thanks to its commercial kitchen). The rooms don’t come cheap, but then again, nothing on Nantucket does. And the fact that downtown is a mere three-minute walk may make it worth the price for some.